PCMA Makes Commitment to Help Eradicate Human Trafficking
As part of its new vision that business events can be the drivers of social positive change, PCMA has committed to combat child exploitation by signing The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism.
In partnership with ECPAT-USA, the leading U.S. policy organization that works to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children around the world, The Code is the only voluntary set of business principles that companies and organizations in the travel, business travel and tourism industries can implement to prevent and eradicate human trafficking.
The signing of The Code was announced by David Peckinpaugh, PCMA Foundation Chair and President of Maritz Global Events, during PCMA’s annual Convening Leaders conference, held Jan. 6-9 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Penn.
The association’s commitment to The Code and its partnership with ECPAT-USA, which engages with the private sector to drive innovation in protecting children globally, opens up the door for the world’s largest network of business events strategists to advocate, build awareness and act on this pressing issue, according to PCMA officials.
“As an industry, currently worth over $150 billion, we have the power of advocating and raising awareness of the human trafficking epidemic, and have a stronger voice for the vulnerable, whose opinions and opportunities have been taken away from them,” Peckinpaugh said.
He continued, “Together with ECPAT-USA and other participating organizations, we are committed to doing everything in our power to end human trafficking.”
Alongside other industry experts, Peckinpaugh led a session at Convening Leaders that took an in-depth look at the human trafficking epidemic.
“One of ECPAT-USA’s main focuses – and essential tools for ending child sex trafficking – is engagement with the private sector, including ensuring as many associates in the travel industry are educated about this urgent issue,” said Michelle Guelbart, director of private sector engagement at ECPAT-USA.
She added, “This new collaborative partnership with PCMA helps expand that mission to thousands more and will help protect countless more children from exploitation.”
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